University Archives and Special Collections

Bemidji’s history is recorded and revealed in the unknown room on the second floor of the library

By Danielle Steele

February 18, 2011



Archives and special collections room on the second floor of the library



Most students on campus have been to the library at Bemidji State University. But how many students actually know much about the library and what it contains? The second floor may seem to be just a normal study area for student to use. Look a little closer to the left side of the room and the archives and special collections department is revealed.

This is the place where you can find all the history of BSU. Bill Shaman, who is an associate professor in the library and library services department was able to tell everything there is to know about the contents of the department.

In the poorly lit room of the second floor of the library, is the archives and special collections room. It is small, yet holds quite a bit of information. The room is like a small library itself. Books line the right side walls. There is also a black cage on the right wall. This contains the most precious books that are locked up for safety. A big conference table lies in the middle of this room. On the walls to the left are photographs and certificates in frames. An old yellowed copy of the Bemidji Daily Pioneer hangs on the wall as well.

Shaman stood in the back of the room at the head of the table and began explaining to us exactly what this room was and its contents. His vocabulary was filled with complex words that were unfamiliar such as archives and tertiary. This man who wore jeans, a sweatshirt and moccasins seemed very laid back at first. As he spoke more however, he became someone who took their job very seriously. He demonstrated his passion for books and their history.

A copy of the Daily Pioneer is framed on the wall

Bill explained that any history that has to do with BSU is in this room. He said it is a “lonely job” because not many are interested. BSU thesis papers, photographs and newspapers are all in this little room. There are also different artifacts in there. Old books are kept in the black cage and locked up. There are books in there from the early 16^th century. Bill described them as a “beautiful collection”.

His most interesting book is the very first King James edition Bible. Bill described this as an “unusually nice specimen” and “absolutely fascinating.”He explained that he is very interested in the historical content of the Bible as he is not a religious man.

There is a wide variety of contents in this little room. There are sound recordings and open reel videotapes. The Bemidji Courthouse entrusted the old small town newspaper copies to the Bemidji State University library. Bill explained why we have these newspapers. “We keep them so they are not lost.”

            To the oblivious student, the second floor of the library is just a place to study. To Bill Shaman, it is a place to get lost in history